HMS Edinburgh returned to fleet after refit

HMS Edinburgh has been returned to the Royal Navy fleet at a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base today, following an extensive £17.5 million overhaul by engineers at BAE Systems.

The Fortress of the Sea is the last of the Type 42 destroyers to undergo a major upkeep, which involved upgrades to its propulsion machinery, auxiliary and weapons systems, sensors and accommodation. The 30 year old ship has also been fitted with a new underwater spoiler to her stern, known as a transom flap, and a coat of new Sigmaglide paint that will cut fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.

HMS Edinburgh’s commanding officer, Commander Paul Russell, said: “Having completed a comprehensive refit and sea trials period, HMS Edinburgh is ready, once again, to conduct operations as part of the fleet. We have achieved this significant milestone with the perseverance, hard work and sheer determination of the ship’s company, BAE Systems and Superintendent Fleet Maintenance in Portsmouth.”

He added: “I was particularly delighted to share this day with so many families. The Navy places tremendous demands on us all and the support of our families and friends has played a major part in helping HMS Edinburgh get back to sea in such good order. We are very proud of our ship and what we have achieved so far, and this is just the beginning of our adventures. We are now looking forward to the demands of operational sea training.”

Malcolm Fudge, BAE Systems’ project manager for the HMS Edinburgh refit, said: “Today marks the culmination of fantastic teamwork between BAE Systems and the Royal Navy here in Portsmouth over the past 18 months to bring this formidable ship back to a fully operational standard.

“Her return to the fleet is a proud moment for everyone involved and we look forward to continuing this partnership as we support HMS Edinburgh and her company through operational sea training ahead of deployment next year.”

Since completing the refit the ship has completed a comprehensive trials programme to ensure the upgrades are operating effectively and that she is ready for training and operations. BAE Systems’ engineers will continue to support the crew through an intensive eight-week period of operational sea training in preparation for deployment from next spring.

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